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FATS
Fats are solid at room temperature and lipids are liquid at room temperature. Fat plays
many roles within the body. As a nutrient category, fat encompasses a wide range of
lipids, from fatty acids to triglycerides to cholesterol.
Fatty acids are classified according to the length of the carbon backbone, the number of
double bonds between carbon atoms in the backbone, location of double bonds in the
backbone.
Simple lipids:
1) fats
2) oils
3) waxes
Compound lipids:
1) phospholipids (a major component of biological membranes)
2) glycolipids
3) lipoproteins
Derived lipids:
1) fatty acids :
* saturated (milk fat) no double bonds in the fatty acid chain
* unsaturated (corn oil) one or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain
2) prostaglandins : any member of a group of lipid compounds
3) lipid soluble vitamins : (A, D, E and K)
Monounsaturated fats contain a single double bond in the fatty acid chain
Polyunsaturated fats contain more than one double bond in the fatty acid chain.
Mammals can’t synthesize essential fatty acids therefore they must be obtained from
food. There are two families of essential fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6. Omega 3
fatty acids have the first double bond between the third and fourth carbon atoms. Omega
6 have the first double bond between the sixth and seventh carbon atoms. Fats from each
of these families are important. The body can convert one omega 3 to another omega 3
but cannot create an omega 3 from scratch. Essential fatty acids play an important role in
kidney and reproductive function. Signs of deficiency include : dull hair coat, anemia,
hepatic lipidosis.
The three known essential fatty acids are:
1) linolenic acid (omega 6)
2) alpha linolenic (omega 3)
3) arachidonic acid (omega 6)
The functions of fat include:
1) dietary energy supply
2) dietary source of essential fatty acids
3) carrier for absorption of fat soluble vitamins
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minimizes dust in the feed of large animals
improves palatability
source of heat, insulation and protection
component of cell membranes
building blocks for other molecules
acts as a water proofing substance
Fat, carbohydrates and proteins are stored as fat when fed in excess of requirements. The
stored fat is utilized when the body needs energy.
Excessive breakdown can result in a condition called ketosis. Ketosis primarily occurs in
animals with diabetes mellitus. A deficiency of insulin prevents the animal from utilizing
the glucose circulating in the blood stream. Insulin is needed to get glucose to enter the
body cells, consequently the body breaks down fat for energy. The by-product of this
breakdown is ketone bodies. The ketone bodies are acidic and the body can’t function
when the blood drops below a pH of 7.5